UPWARD STUDENTS SEEKS TO CALL YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN TO "PRESS ON TOWARD THE GOAL FOR THE PRIZE OF THE UPWARD CALL OF GOD IN CHRIST JESUS" THROUGH REAL, AUTHENTIC DEVOTION TO GOD AND FELLOWSHIP WITH ONE ANOTHER. WE WILL SUSTAIN THIS BY DEEP STUDY OF GOD'S WORD, PRAYER, ACCOUNTABILITY, AND LOVING SERVICE TO THE FAMILY OF GOD. 

UPWARD SVBC STUDENTS 

It is our mission to provide an atmosphere of discipleship and community that encourages students and families to come into a loving, devoted relationship with God, passionately pursuing wisdom and righteousness where all involved Treasure, Follow, Learn, and Lead...

Treasure: recognize the Treasure of Christ and the truth of God, His Word, His Creation, and salvation through Christ
Follow: to see students and families living in authenticity passionate for the ultimate treasure of Christ
Learn: growing in relationship with God and others, becoming nerdy theologians that hunger and thirst for righteousness and truth
Lead: loving the truth and others enough to rely on Christ and demonstrate His best for the world around us

MEETING TIMES

Wednesday Night - 6:30pm - 8pm - Room 302
- Fellowship, teaching, worship, games, etc. 

​Sunday Morning - 9:30am - 11am - Room 302
- Grade & gender specific small groups that meet for bible study. 

2026-2027 Focus

​From the time students are in 6th grade, we have 7 years with them until graduation. Each year, we will be intentional to focus on one motif that is aimed at illuminating what it means to walk with God by Faith in Jesus Christ. Through exegetical teaching and personal application, we strive to let God work and transform hearts and minds.​

Click here to learn more about this year's thematic focus and curriculum objectives! 

FAQs

MIDDLE SCHOOL

Where do you meet? 

We meet in the youth wing of the church in room 302. Follow the parking lot arrows around to the back of the building.  

what should i expect?

We invite you to come relaxed and ready to let go of shallow! We are not a hype machine that tries to entertain; instead, we purposefully pursue authenticity as we follow after God. None of us are perfect or pretend to be, but we also know that God loves us where we are and too much to leave us in that state. God wants us to grow in Christ! Because of that, you will find adults and students in our group who will genuinely care for you and always speak the truth in love (even if it's uncomfortable). 

We do maintain a Code during our time together for the sake of healthy fellowship: 

1. Honor Our Purpose 
2. Honor This Place
3. Honor Our Time 
4. Honor Each Other 
5. Honor Authority 

What should my student bring? 

We know that we forget 80-85% of what we hear within 24 hours unless we write it down. So, bring your bible, a notebook, and a good attitude! 

What is available for parents during this time? 

Our church has many great journey groups and equip classes that meet during the 6:30pm service time. If you'd like more information, you can find these details on the main webpage! 

How can i stay up to date? 

We have a "youth parents" opt-in text thread that we can set you up in to receive updates about special events, announcements, or any other information we might send out. Please find Matthew Ferri to join! 

Middle School Meeting Times

Wednesdays: 6:30PM in Room 302
- Combined guys and girls fellowship and study that provides a time of deeper interaction with Scripture and its application to life. 

Sundays: 9:30AM in Room 302
- Middle School Guys Journey Group 
​- Middle School Girls Journey Group 

HIGH SCHOOL 

How does the high school group differ from the middle school group in depth of teaching? 

Though we study the same material as the middle school groups, our conversations with high schoolers are intentionally geared towards their developmental abilities and needs. For instance, you will find a stronger emphasis on things like identity, personal exegetical development, etc. 

What should my student expect during this time? 

Much like our middle school meeting time (read in the above FAQs), your student can expect to be surrounded by peers and adults who want them to passionately pursue an authentic relationship with God. We take this time of study very seriously because we believe God will speak to us through His Word. However, we also play hard! After study and at other times throughout the year, we will gather to have fellowship that is meant to build deep friendships that build us up in the love of Christ! 

What programs do you offer for students getting ready to graduate? 

We believe wholeheartedly in equipping our students for a future of service and devotion to God in every sphere of life. To that end, we intentionally plan trips and activities that provide them with the tools of discernment, experiences and interactive learning, vision casting for their life, and much more! What we offer for high schoolers (with more to come!): college preview trips; annual weekend retreat; Student Leadership University; other fellowship and leadership activities!

HIGH SCHOOL MEETING TIMES 

Wednesdays: 6:30PM in Room 302
- Combined guys and girls time of fellowship and study for deeper interaction with the Scriptures and its application to life.

Sundays: 9:30AM in Room 302
- High School Guys Journey Group 
​- High School Girls Journey Group 

Experiential Discipleship Trips

LeaderPaths

To learn more about LeaderPaths and/or sign up, click here!

Student Leadership University

To learn more about SLU and/or sign up, click here!

UPCOMING EVENTS 

To see announcements, upcoming events, and deadlines, please visit our Student Ministry Update page here! 

Serving in Upward SVBC Students

Each member of our leadership team has a passion to see students deeply connected to God and walking in authenticity with Him.  In order to do so, leaders are committed to living their lives in the shadow of Christ knowing that students will follow the examples of leadership.  Each leader is in good standing with the church and community; each meets the student ministry age requirement of at least 21 (some wish they were still 21); each leader undergoes an annual extensive background search for the protection of all involved; and each leader meets all the requirements of the church’s youth/children volunteer policy!

Leadership goal: To be C.L.E.A.R.

• Communicate
• Love
• Encourage 
• Assist

• Respond